“Unless I see the mark…put my finger in the mark…I will not believe..” (John 20:25)

The Sunday after Easter tends to be called “low Sunday.” I’m not sure why the Sunday that follows the celebration of the Resurrection has become such a thing, but it usually is in low attendance. Somehow, it would seem to me that after hearing such Good News, one would want to come back that next Sunday. To me, it just doesn’t make sense, this thing called “low Sunday.”

In fact, it doesn’t happen after the very first Easter. The Sunday following Jesus’ Resurrection, every one of the disciples we’re present, even Thomas, who (as we know) missed the first Sunday evening gathering. Can you imagine that? The very first “low Sunday” they had perfect attendance!
Why couldn’t we have the same 310 people (or more) come this Sunday than came last Sunday?

I don’t know about you, but I need to be present in God’s House every Sunday. On the rare occasion that I am not, I am totally confused for the rest of the week. “Disconbobulated,” disorientated, and disorganized (more than usual, if you can believe that is possible!) is what I experience.

Somewhere, I suppose, people generally believe that coming on occasion (Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, Mother’s Day, and an occasional birthday [when it falls on a Sunday]) maybe is built around doubt. “I doubt if anyone – including God – will notice.” “I doubt if going to church on a regular basis makes a great deal of difference.” I’m here to tell you that it does make a difference, and I truly believe that God does notice.

And, it’s not a remembrance of retribution – “God’s gonna’ get you for that” is not what God thinks about. He remembers your absence and is saddened by it. That’s all. I do not believe He has an attendance book and keeps score. If there was a scorebook in heaven, we all would fail.

I go to church because of that very fact—not because I am good but because I sin. If I was sinless I wouldn’t need the Church. I wouldn’t need God. But, since we are all slaves to sin, we are in constant need. This I do not doubt.
This Sunday may well be the last Sunday I’m in church for a while. I meet with the heart surgeon next Tuesday. As he patches up my three needed arteries, my heart will only be complete again when I am with you physically in the near future. A truly broken heart can be repaired; the doctor says that my heart muscle hasn’t been damaged so I have a good prognosis for recovery – but a doubtful heart needs Christ. I can only speak for myself, but, I need a much more regular connection with God (worship) to help my unbelief and my doubt. Is everyone else somehow different from me? No, I don’t think so.

Thank you for your prayers. They have gone a long way in helping me feel positive and comfortable about what is in store for me. I am peaceful with what lies ahead. I know you all will be extra sensitive and supportive of Pastor Ed and the staff of OSLC. Our Council is strong and capable and will do marvelous things while I’m laid up for a while. I trust that you will be praying just a s hard for them.

I remember you all in my prayers. I remember—without a doubt—your faithfulness and kindnesses every day. Thank you for your prayers for the Bailey family, especially for Roger. We hope and pray all the time that healing continues for him.

A new journey begins soon for me. Every day is a privilege, treat it that way. And, when the Sabbath comes, revere it as God has commanded. He misses you when you are not there, and, so do I. Do not doubt, only, believe! Faith – strengthened by regular worship – makes all the difference!

God loves you and so do I!

Pastor Jim